Leeds United star Raphinha handed latest chance to shine for Brazil

Leeds United star Raphinha bags his sixth cap for Brazil by starting this evening's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in Quito.
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Brazil have already secured their qualification for the winter tournament in Qatar but boss Tite has still named a strong squad for two more qualifiers in the current break.

Tite's side are facing Ecuador at the high altitude Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito for a 9pm kick-off UK time and the game is being screened live on Premier Sports 1.

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Quito is based in the foothills of the Andes mountains and the stadium is 8970 feet above sea level.

Raphinha lines up in a front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr.

Recent Aston Villa loan signing Philippe Coutinho also starts whilst Gabriel Jesus, Antony and Gabi are among the forward options on the bench.

PSG star Neymar is out with an ankle injury whilst Roberto Firmino and Richarlison were not called up.

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Ecuador are third in the South American qualifying group, 12 points behind runway leaders Brazil who have already qualified along with second-placed Argentina.

STARTING: Leeds United's star Brazilian winger Raphinha. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images.STARTING: Leeds United's star Brazilian winger Raphinha. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images.
STARTING: Leeds United's star Brazilian winger Raphinha. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images.

The top four seal a direct passage to Qatar with the fifth-placed side heading for play-offs that involve sides from Asia, Oceania and also the North, Central America and Caribbean group.

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